Less than six puts you at risk. At risk for disease and diminished returns at work, home and play. At risk for depression, hypertension and inattention. At risk for a long list of unsavory outcomes and issues.

They are the one in three. Are you? Am I?

Have we joined the I-can’t-sleep-there’s-too-much-to-do party? Paced ourselves against the clock as if it’s an enemy rather than a friend. Enslaved ourselves to perfection, production, or performance.

During my college years I strode from one building to the next bearing an invisible backpack crammed with the weighty effects of self-doubt, unworthiness, and inability. Over and over, I’d shove those burdens deep within the confines of that imperceptible pouch.

Fearing Someone or Anyone would notice, I forced myself to achieve. To prove that I could accomplish. To justify my worth.

Motivated by the overwhelming fear of not being enough, I allowed for recovery only after rigorous, compelling dedication to study. Sleep and rest were optional and I had the ulcer to prove it.

If the clock is your master, friend, have you considered what might be driving your desire for unattainable faultlessness? Unreachable achievement? Matchless efficiency?

Some may placate their incessant need for control through industry. Others might feel worth notice only through accomplishment–whether it’s a perfectly polished home or an unfading smile that refuses to allow vulnerability with friends or family.

If you are the woman driven by the need to be enough, can I remind you that you are more than enough to Him? You were more than enough for the heavenly king to lay aside His crown and exchange it for flesh. You were more than enough for an innocent Sovereign to endure every insult and accusation at a mockery of a trial. You were more than enough for the Lamb to sacrifice all in order that he might claim you as part of the fold. You were more than enough, Daughter, for the Father to rise triumphant–living proof that death has no hold on either Him or you.

When we deny the accusatory whipping boy of perfection or set aside the relentless burden of responsibility and invite God to take it upon himself, then we’ll step into the rest he has promised.

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” (Matthew 11:29-30 MSG)

Words won’t flow. They don’t drip or even trickle from the tired edges of my mind. Wearily, I press on–searching for the right words, a creative phrase. Nothing. I decide to turn to the Word and rediscover Him.

The Word woos me with covenant love. Promises of peace. A heaven-made search and rescue strategy detailed in black and white.

Do you, dear Friend, need the Word today? Can I encourage you to drink deeply from the springs of living water?

I’ve posted a few of my favorite scriptures below to get you started.

1. “His mercies are new every morning.” (Lamentations 3:22-23)

2. “The joy of The Lord is my strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10)

3. The name of the Lordis a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe. (Proverbs 18:10)

4. “Come to me…and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:28-29)

5. “And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs.” (Phil. 4:19)

6. “And The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves.” (Zeph. 3:17)

7. “And I will be a father to you, And you shall be sons and daughters to Me,” says the Lord Almighty.” (2 Cor. 6:18)

8. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

9. “He will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Duet. 31:6)

10. Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.

The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It’s our handle on what we can’t see. Hebrews 1:1

The wind is elusive—an idea felt; a reality discerned through its visible impact on the tangible.

Silver ripples dancing across the face of a lake that only moments before lay in repose—glassy and motionless. A sudden rush of sound sending hundreds of burnished leaves to the forest floor like gilded feathers pirouetting in the sky. A high-pitched roar of anger propelling icy pellets of white against an exposed face.

I can’t see it, but I believe the wind exists. I can feel it—an invisible, unstoppable power. A thing of beauty that demands respect. An uncontainable, indefinable entity.

In the same way, I have faith in Jesus–the invisible God-Man who displays His glory in the beauty of creation. Each towering mountain arching heavenward and every tender petal unfurling at the prompting of morning light. God surrounds me with observable reminders of Truth.

I can’t see Jesus, but I believe He exists. Some might call this blind faith. The sort of faith based on nothing more than a pie-in-the-sky optimism or a myopic view of being human—ignoring the big questions about suffering, death, and purpose.

But I’ve witnessed it—lived it.

His authority transforming the broken places from deep inside; resurrecting hope in a loved one who had none before; breathing life into the lifeless.

No, my faith isn’t an endless well—a spiritual place of self-created hope. I’m not a version of Super Christian or someone who believes every story posted on Facebook or printed by the Associated Press.

Instead, my faith is less about me than it is about the One who is faithful. And when I waver? Those times that I doubt Him? I remember who He is and what He has done. I grapple with my mustard seed faith in prayer—showing myself real and vulnerable to the God who already knows my heart. Still…He remains true to his promises. Hope. Peace. Salvation. Jesus.

If you’re walking in doubt today, friend, cry out to Him. He bends down from heaven to listen to even a whispered prayer. Remember what He has done for you and that His desire is to give you good gifts. Eternal gifts.

Beautiful…imperishable…holy gifts for having just enough faith to believe.

“Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” Mark 6:31

The mound of dishes extends to the uppermost edge of the kitchen sink and, reluctantly, I begin the process of methodically rinsing each plate, bowl, and glass before depositing it in the dishwasher’s plastic divider. I have just enough time to finish peeling the baked-on oatmeal from the insides of the crockpot before my daughter rushes around the corner with a look of concern etched across her delicate features.

Mommy, I need help with my math NOW.

Casting a quick glance toward the stove, I notice the pot on the right back burner is spitting angrily across the surface. With a sigh, I quickly twist the knob to low and turn my attention to the frustrated middle-school girl planted directly in front of me. She is a diminutive package of frustration and tears and I can’t wait for the school week to come to an end because then I she will have a break from homework.

In that moment, the dogs begin barking uncontrollably—probably at a wayward rabbit passing through the yard—and a hungry teen-aged boy utters something about being hungry.

Me? I just want to go to bed. And I wonder why some days seem much longer than the standard 24 hours.

Jesus recognized this same weariness in his disciples.

Their day had been overflowing with prayer, preaching, and healings. The people–needy and desperate–longed for someone to make a difference…to change their lives…to offer hope. And that day? Hope arrived in the form of Christ’s own apostles who spoke comfort…joy…peace.

But by the days end, the men were as empty as my freshly rinsed sink. Do you ever feel it, too? The need to be filled up…restored…replenished?

Jesus offers us the answer. Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.

Make your appointment with the Prince of Peace, friend. Breathe in the rest only He provides. Step away from the pressures of the immediate and discover soul treasure in the Eternal. He’s waiting to meet with you today.

“You did WHAT?” I asked my fifteen-year-old son. Rushing into the restroom, I peered into the white bowl. Shaking my head in disbelief, I sighed and turned to Seth. “I’m sorry, honey. PD Bear is gone.” Connor had unceremoniously flushed what remained of his little brother’s blanket down the toilet. Whoosh! With no more than a gurgle and a quick jerk of the silver handle, Seth’s security disappeared.

It didn’t matter that PD Bear had faded from a bright blue to a dingy grey or that its once silken fabric had lost its sheen. Seth had depended on “him” since babyhood. PD had been more than a blanket. He had been a cape, a hat, and pet. PD had provided comfort, support, and security.

There have been moments I’ve wanted to revert to childhood–or at least a time–when I’ve gained as much strength from something. Can you relate? When life seems to be headed in an unexpected direction or the day’s concerns loom large in the corners of your mind, wouldn’t you love to be wrapped up in a security greater than yourself…your husband…your bank account…?

Better than something, God is the Someone who can provide us with the security we seek. In him we will find comfort (Isaiah 51:12), peace (Ephesians 2:14), and protection (Psalm 5:11). His strength and redemption are our strength, dear friend. They are our everlasting security.

Like this:

Was peace an illusion? For years, my haunted heart yearned for its calming balm. Christ promised His followers, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27) But the tears scattered across my people and the anguish twisting my stomach evidenced a complete lack of peace… How I longed to claim that peace as my own!

I’ve come to understand that, in many ways, peace is something Christ offers but we have to choose it. His perfect peace is available, but in order to claim it we must lay down our troubles and fears. It’s as if a beautifully wrapped gift has been placed at our feet–waiting to be unwrapped. When we clasp today’s worries tightly in our arms–refusing to give them up–it’s impossible to pick up that which we have longed to take hold of.

So…today I’m going to drop the heavy burden at His feet. Instead, I’m going to trust Him to deal with those worries. I’m claiming His peace this morning. Will you, too, dear friend?

Scripture for reflection You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. (Isaiah 26:3)

Action step Create a list of all of today’s concerns, worries, and burdens. Give each one in prayer to the Lord and throw the list away. Meditate on Isaiah 26:3 throughout the day when your peace begins to dwindle.

“I am by nature a people pleaser, which means that by nature I’m a coward.” –Pastor Mark Bates

Those words resounded with me. How many times in my relationships had I been “diplomatic” in order to avoid disappointing someone? Or, even worse, appeared to agree with that person, but instead proceeded to erect a DMZ (Demilitarized Zone for those of you who are non-military wives)?

What is a DMZ? Let me illustrate. Imagine I am South Korea. Dave, my dear husband, is North Korea (for demonstration purposes only). We’ve been at war with one another–although we can’t seem to remember why or even how it all began. Now, though, we’ve decided to declare a tenuous peace. We’re tired, bear noticeable war wounds, and need to regroup. An agreement is drawn and, with distrust in our eyes, we draw lines in the sand. If neither of us crosses this line, we’ll be just fine. Peace has been made. Really? Have North and South Korea found that to be true?

Of course not. Peace in the home is not the absence of conflict, but the presence of humility. As Matthew 5:3 reminds us, “Blessed are the poor in spirit.” Another version puts it plainly, “Great blessings belong to those who are humble.” I don’t know about you, but humility in the marriage relationship can be tough. What if he’s the one was wrong in the first place–or, if I was just a little bit in the wrong? Shouldn’t he apologize first; ask forgiveness first? Maybe–maybe not. But am I more concerned with who crossed the DMZ first or do I desire to be reconciled in my relationship with the one I call husband?

I tell you honestly that making peace after even after an imagined insult is one of my greatest areas of struggle in marriage. Could it be a challenge for everyone? I would guess that it is–after all, don’t we all enjoy being “right”? Most of the time, though, being right is far less important than acting in love.

3 Tactical Pointers to Help Disarm the DMZ–and Declare Peace

Relinquish your “rights” and admit your “wrongs”

Make the first move

“Do it badly if you must. It’s worse not to do anything at all!” –Pastor Mark Bates

What works best for you to diffuse tension? How have you learned humility in your marriage?

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